Thursday, February 28, 2008

A Leap Year Again – The Top 10 Places To Propose In The UsaEvery four years, February 29 appears on the calendar and is traditionally the day when women can propose marriage. This custom dates from fifth-century Ireland, when the rules of courtship were stricter. Since many women were waiting too long for proposals, St. Patrick is said to have granted this dispensation to them to speed up the process. And this quaint custom comes into effect again in 2008, as it is a leap year

If you are planning on "tying the knot" in Leap year here are ten top places in the USA where you can pop the question.

Arizona’s star natural attraction, The Grand Canyon, offers plenty of proposal options, from a magnificent lookout, to a hot-air balloon or helicopter ride

What about the Big Apple? For a proposal with an incredible view, either take the elevator or climb the 1,860 steps to the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. Try to make it on a clear day, when you can see for almost 80 miles, or on a clear night, when the city lights will provide a romantic backdrop for your proposal

New York City is arguably at its most romantic, when viewed from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. Featured in countless movies, the carriages start at Central Park South, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, at 59th Street

The magnificent Bridal Veil Falls at Niagara Falls, in New York State, is a dramatic location to tell him how much you love him. Then pop the question as you marvel at the sheer power and beauty of the water as it rushes downward.

Treat him to a trip in a hot air balloon over Lake Tahoe, California, and propose as you float gently above the beautiful lake and take in the incredible views.

For a year round warm weather proposal destination head for the Florida Keys. Key West, Florida, is the perfect place to be at the end of the day. A proposal here, as the sun sets over the sea, will be a memorable start to the rest of your lives together.

The picturesque 80-foot-tall Wailua Falls, on Kauai, in the Hawaii Islands, are a dream come true, when it comes to marriage proposals. You can propose at the scenic overlook or take the path down to pool below, to swim in the cool mountain water together.

Inspiration Point, at the Grand Teton National Park, in Wyoming, with its awesome view, would be a breathtaking spot for your proposal. The Point is reached crossing Jenny Lake boat and then hiking up the Cascade Canyon Trail.

At St. John, on the US Virgin Islands, Honeymoon Beach hosts proposals galore. The question can be written in the sand on the beach or on a diver's board during an underwater adventure.

And finally, don’t wait to get lucky on the Las Vegas Strip, Nevada, just claim your prize with a marriage proposal on a gondola ride at The Venetian, or during dinner at the Eiffel Tower at Paris, Las Vegas.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

7 Main Reasons Why We Die Of A Heart Attack by Emilia Klapp, R.D., B.S.

According to U.S. General Surgeon, heart attacks and strokes are highly preventable. Thus, if more people die from heart disease than from any other illness, we need to give a serious consideration to what we are doing wrong

In this article you will find the 7 main reasons why we may end up being part of the American Heart Association’s statistics.

1. We smoke. The risk of dying of a heart attack is about four times higher in people who smoke than in those who don’t smoke.

Many of us are under the impression that the major danger from smoking is cancer but that is not quite true; smoking is the major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular disease. In fact, about 40% of deaths caused by cardiovascular disease are due to smoking.

Smoking contributes to heart disease in the following manner:• Increases blood pressure, a risk for heart attacks and strokes.• The carcinogen components in tobacco damage the walls of the arteries.• The carbon monoxide from the burning of the tobacco interferes with the blood capacity to carry oxygen to our heart.• Smoking causes the narrowing of the blood vessels that carry blood to our legs and arms.

I know that to stop smoking is not a piece of cake but you have to make an effort. If you try, I am confident you’ll succeed. Be strong! Look for professional help to assist you in this task. And don’t get discourage if you have already tried and didn’t make it. Try as many times as you can.

2. We don’t walk. Over the past 50 years, health professionals have examined the association between physical activity and the risk for heart disease. The findings consistently reveal that people who are physically active have half the risk for heart attacks than people who are not active. Those studies show also that at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week, is sufficient to reduce the risk of heart attack

Keep in mind that the heart is a muscle, and like any other muscle in the body, it becomes stronger the more you exercise it. Without exercise, it loses muscle fibers and becomes weak until it is unable to do its job. And the last thing you need is a heart that can’t do its job.

The direct effects of physical activity on heart disease are:• Makes the heart stronger so it can pump more blood with fewer beats• Lowers blood pressure by increasing the diameter of the coronary arteries.• Lowers “LDL”, the bad cholesterol• Increases “HDL”, the “good” cholesterol• Decreases triglycerides• Decreases the risk of diabetes, which is a risk for heart attacks

3. We eat too much saturated fatThere is a reason why health authorities advice us to limit the consumption of saturated fat:• Saturated fat is the most rigid of all fats and is solid at room temperature. Solid fats are hard to dissolve and can easily get stuck in your arteries.• Saturated fat causes the liver to overproduce cholesterol. The liver makes about 75 percent of the cholesterol your body needs from internal sources, while the remaining 25 percent comes from food. But when you eat too much saturated fat, your liver keeps producing cholesterol and you end up with much more cholesterol than you need.

Limit saturated fat consumption to less than 10 percent of the total calories ingested per day.

4. We ingest too many foods containing hydrogenated oils or trans fatsHealth authorities are concerned that the consumption of trans fats might have contributed to the 20th century epidemic of coronary heart disease

Hydrogenated oils or trans fats as they are usually called, are produced artificially by inserting molecules of hydrogen in vegetable oils, a process called hydrogenation. Through this process, the oil, which is liquid at room temperature, changes its original form and becomes solid. In other words, it becomes saturated fat. In addition, the unnatural shapes of trans fats cause our cells to become malformed and to malfunction. And that includes the cells of the heart and the arteries

5. We don’t eat enough fruits and vegetablesWe know that people who consume plant foods regularly have a lower incidence of heart disease than those who do not include them in their diet

Fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals, nonnutritive chemicals found in plant foods that protect their host plants from infections and microbial invasions. Recently, however, we have learned that phytochemicals are also crucial in protecting humans against many diseases, including heart disease

Among the functions phytochemicals perform in our bodies are:• They act as antioxidants• They keep the walls of small blood vessels healthy• They make our small blood vessels stronger• They prevent platelets from becoming sticky and piling up• They block specific enzymes that raise blood pressure

Include about 9 portions of fruits and vegetables a day as part of a healthy diet

6. We have too much stressHave you ever felt strong headaches, muscle pain, anxiety, insomnia, and tiredness? If you identify yourself with some of these symptoms, you body may be going through an excess of tension

Nowadays, 80 percent of the population suffers from some kind of symptoms caused by stress which many times end up in illnesses such as high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attacks. Trying to cover on a daily basis more tasks than you physically can handle may be one of the major contributors to your stress. It is probably that one of the reasons why you succumb to disease easily is the level of stress in your life since tension reduces your capacity of adaptation to your environment

You need to learn how to surround yourself with peace and serenity. Here are a few steps you can take to achieve your goal:• Walk as much as you can.• Add vitamin B to your diet. These vitamins have a calming and relaxing effect on the nervous system and are an excellent help to combat anxiety, irritability, tension and insomnia. Food sources of vitamin B are whole grains, green peas, fish, eggs and brewer’s yeast. Take a glass of orange juice in the morning and add the brewer’s yeast. Vitamin C is also necessary in this process. You can also add a supplement that includes vitamin B complex.• Make nuts part of your diet. Nuts are high in calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and chrome, minerals that favor muscle relaxation. You may want to include a supplement that includes these minerals.• Have a session of osteopathy. Stress affects your body equilibrium. An osteopath can give you a massage that will help you reestablish the equilibrium you have lost.• Give yourself 10 minutes every day to call a friend and chat. • Take at least 4 free days a month where you can wake up in the morning without having planned anything to do. That way you can take the time to think what you would like to do that day. And if what appeals to you is doing nothing, then, by all means, do nothing

7. We drink too much alcoholAvoid high alcohol consumption. 5 to 7 percent of the hypertension we see in people is due to high alcohol intake. The Health World Organization estimates that almost 2/3 of strokes and 50 percent of heart attacks are caused by high blood pressure.

Limit your alcohol intake to two small glasses of wine a day if you are a male and one small glass a day if you are a female

Final thoughtsIf you make an effort to implement these seven guidelines in your life, you will be well ahead with the fight against heart disease. And the beauty of it is that you won’t be part of the yearly statistics issued by the American Heart Association regarding the amount of deaths occurred by heart attacks.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Crabbing is a fun, recreational activity which resides in the intermediate region between fishing and hunting. While a fishing trip could be somewhat uneventful to some, you'll rarely come home empty-handed with crabbing. If you’re living anywhere along the coast or a river outlet, then crabbing is an interesting option to consider.

Crabbing is the term referring to the activity of gathering large, edible crustaceans from the ocean. A crabbing trip is usually action packed and more active than a fishing trip. For even greater entertainment, go with groups of friends and see what kinds of interesting results you will get.

Crabbing constitutes a high volume commercial industry in many coastal regions in the United States. It also a popular recreational activity that could be practiced by hobbyists looking for a free seafood dinner . When compared to fishing, crabbing usually yields more results on an hourly basis.

It also quite economical; in the simplest form, crabbing could be practiced by holding a bait connected to a line while sitting on a wharf. A more pricy practice of crabbing would be to rent a fishing charter or by own a boat and scatter crab pots. Tourists can spend some excellent time crabbing when the season for crabs is right

The equipments needed to go on a crabbing trip are few and simple to use. You'll never need anything more than a dip net and a couple of crab traps. In many situations, a dip net is all you need.

Unlike fishing, there are not many essential key techniques to catch crabs, other than to use your ninja reflexes when scooping swimmers with the dip net. The right and best time for crabbing, is about an hour or two before high tide. The right time to make an exciting crabbing could be during the month of May throughout October

Depending on where you live, there are different species of crabs you can catch, although they're not nearly as manifold as the species of fishes out there. Blue crabs are the most popular species along the east coast and coastal states in the South. These feisty crustaceans are renown for their delicate, sweet meat and fiery temper.

Please beware of your hands when handling these guys. They will thrust their pincers at anything moving towards them from up above, and their pincers are barbed so you do not want them into your fingers. Usually however, thick leather gloves solve all your crab handling problems.

From a dietary perspective, crab meat is high in protein and minerals while low in fat, and will work well in many forms of low-fat diets. Rock crabs are available almost anywhere. They do not look as nice as the other two species, but they're still edible, albeit a somewhat bony.

Weighted Vests & Exercise: Are They Worth Itn by MelioGuideYou just started a bone-healthy exercise program that incorporates all the important ingredients to address bone health. Excellent work! You are already well ahead of the game.

Most of you have either read or heard about weighted vests. Are there any additional benefits if you use a weighted vest while exercising? A recent article published in the July 2007 edition of the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity supports the use of progressive exercise training using weighted vests in postmenopausal women.

Summary of Study Findings

The article reports on the effects of a twelve-week exercise training program using weighted vests on bone turnover and isokinetic strength in a randomly selected group of postmenopausal women. The intention of the study was to design an exercise-training program of progressive resistance that could be easily adapted to home and community settings, and, at the same time, diverse (and interesting) enough to appeal to a large number of postmenopausal women. The program was composed of exercises that do not require the use of specialized machines or free weights.

The results of the trial indicated that within the group of postmenopausal women who followed the exercise program over the twelve-week period:

- Bone resorption (breakdown) decreased significantly.

- Bone formation activity was unchanged.

- There were improvements in percentage of body fat, fat free mass, and ankle plantar-flexor strength.

- 80% of the group stayed on the exercise program throughout its twelve-week duration.

What does this mean for you?

A weighted vest would be a great alternative or adjunct to holding free weights during your exercise program.

How heavy should the vest be?

The study demonstrates that there are significant benefits if you progressively increase the weight in the vest. An initial weight of 3% of your body weight is a good start, eventually progressing to a maximum of 15% of your body weight.

Which exercises are most suited to wearing a weighted vest?

A weighted vest would be a good adjunct to following exercises in the MelioGuide programs:

* Marching (Beginner level)

* Heel Drops (Beginner level)

* Reverse lunge (Beginner level)

* Squats (Active through Elite level)

* Lunges (Active through Elite level)

* Step Ups (Active level)

* Band walks (Athletic level)

It would also be a good adjunct to a walking and balance training program.

It would also be a good adjunct to a walking and balance training program.

Our Exercise Programs are available free of charge and we encourage you to sign up.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Life Quality - A Sociological Approach by AD MonografiaThe form to directly feel or to think regarding something, to the people, is influenced by surrounding factors as, in special, culture. In this way, if we could build a graph of the process, people (defined as social beings) is changedded into the intersection of these factors, that is, “we, the human beings operate in our life in many and different reality domains, which as different chambers of colloquies and explanations interconnected in our bodies. In other words, ego is a dynamic way in a multidimensional space of human beings’ identities, and the “I”, the individual human being, is the corporality carried through the chambers intersection of colloquies that constitute the ego ".

If we could construct another reading to this proposal, it can be said that human beings possess encapsulated a certain form to feel and to think (our subjectivity), in other words, the proper and own subjective living is limited by the culture in which it is inserted, in this way, if an African woman is close to contract marriage won’t feel and think the same regarding the marriage that an American woman in the same situation, simply because they are two different people who had constructed themselves in different places, with different characteristics, different characters, different social representations and different marriage rituals.

And is this gap that gives to each person a way to feel the life, expectations, goals, desires, direction of life, etc and that becomes related directly with freedom (always understanding it as limited for the factors of the way).

Freedom, straightly understood is a fulfillment, for the person, of the commanded sequence of events of his life. A free person moves in a volunteer fashion, exempts responsibly and plays his individual important role in a world whose definitive events pass through him and by his election and spontaneous will.

And is this freedom that differentiates each person’s being, this gap that is inside the heart (in a metaphorical way) and that is intersected by many factors, this is what leads to choose different things, in other words is the proper subjectivity.

Since this perspective, we cannot speak about life quality without take in consideration individual differences, without considering the importance of the subjective “aura” that encircles these differences and, most important, without forgetting what is being said about people’s happiness.

As mentioned previously, many people had tried to theorize about the concept of life quality, and the form to people reaches it. These theories, generally, are obliqued by some vision or approach from the proponent; therefore, they present limitations in its concepts. In this direction, it is interesting to ask how much we must take in consideration personal subjectivity, differences and the spirituality (such as experiences, sensations, styles of creation, birthplace, among others) to the moment to define the concept of life quality and subjective well-being. These factors fulfill a basic paper in which the person goes to understand or goes to look for its subjective well-being or life quality and as they will face adversities.

While nowadays there is an advance about the conception beyond the material aspect that the forms where people would get subjective well-being, still there are some theories, and practices supported by those, that do not approach the more subjective spiritual aspects and by means of which people understands the world and constructs reality.

It is understandable that when some entity or institution desires to implant politics or measurements of life quality of some population (for example, the UNU), it would be necessary to operate the concept in “more objective” or observable elements and, so, in front of that limitation, it is much more difficult to take in consideration some individual or subjective elements. In this direction, we are right in our proposal of central necessities inside different cultures, as, for example, feeding, which could be used in this direction. But also, each person will find the form to use satisfaction elements and to supply its necessities.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

A three-year-old leukemia victim was given a life-saving infusion of her own cord blood, marking the first time a child with this disease served as their own blood donor, American doctors said.

The little girl is now a thriving six-year-old -- a tribute, say her doctors, to the pioneering transplant that helped her recover from radical chemotherapy.

They also commended the foresight of her parents who decided to save some of her umbilical cord on the off chance it might be needed later.

"There's a good chance the procedure saved her life.

She is in remission and has an excellent chance of being cured," said Ammar Hayani, the pediatric oncologist who treated the youngster at Advocate Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill.

In 2003, the little girl was diagnosed with the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and began long-term chemotherapy treatment.

She quickly went into remission, but 10 months later the cancer was back, and this time it had spread to her spine, a worrying development that signaled the leukemia was a particularly aggressive kind that would probably not respond well to treatment, Hayani said.

Her doctors responded with a more aggressive chemotherapy protocol and full-body radiation, and then looked around for ways to replace the blood system they had wiped out.

Ordinarily they would have had to choose between a blood or bone marrow transplant from a family member or unrelated donor, but in this case, the family members were not a match.

And rather than use material from an unrelated donor, with the corresponding risk of life-long complications, they opted to take the controversial and risky step of transplanting the girl's own cord blood, which had been frozen and stored at a private blood bank several years following her birth in 1999."We were in unchartered territory," said Hayani.

"We couldn't predict with any certainty whether the operation would be successful. We had no concrete data, but the parents felt very comfortable with it, so we went ahead.

"The procedure was not without risk, because even though the cord blood was screened to ensure it did not contain any cancerous cells, the screening techniques are not 100 percent accurate, Hayani explained.

Still, the child's parents weighed the risks and gambled that their daughter's own stem cells, contained in her cord blood, would benefit her more than stem cells harvested from the bone marrow or blood of strangers.

The results so far suggest they made the right call, said Hayani who reported on the girl's case in a paper that appears in the January issue of the journal Pediatrics.

"It's hard to argue with success. Relapse seems very unlikely at this point, and she has an excellent quality of life, much better than if she had taken stem cells from a donor

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Exercise Your Way To Six Pack Abs by LawanWe all know everyone wants to have a great looking body to attract the opposite sex. Here are a few tips on how to get a nice set of six pack abs.

1. Lose Fat - Lift weights. The more muscle your body has, the more calories your body burns. Many people are afraid of getting huge due to weight lifting. This is meaningless. You will not gain a lot of mass if you are not taking in a lot of calories as well. The most effective muscle groups to work for fat loss are large muscle groups. Thighs and hamstrings, the back and the chest. You can also lift your body weight without going to a gym. Do push ups, sit ups and chin ups.

2. Do Cardio - Running, biking, swimming, stair climbing, jumping rope, tennis, dancing and any other activity that gets you moving and keeps you moving will burn fat. Cardio workouts should be performed for at least 20 minutes to burn fat.

3. Do Crunches - Lie on the floor(with or without a mat). Cross your arms in front of your chest(Do not place both hands behind your head. Placing both hands behind your head can cause lower back problems in the long run.) Draw in your abdomen towards your spine while inhaling through your nose. Now raise your shoulders(upper torso) towards your knees, using strictly your abdominal muscles. It is very important not to lift your entire back off the floor, as this can cause back strain, and the extended movement does not help you develop six pack abs any faster. The most important part of the crunch is the initial flexing of your abs as you lift your shoulders off of the floor. As soon as you begin lifting off the floor exhale through your mouth, ending with a gasp once your shoulders are off the floor. Then pause for a second once you are at the top of the crunch and exhale the last bit of air from your diaphragm while flexing your abs. The proper breathing and flexing make all the difference. Now lower back down slowly and controlled while inhaling through your nose, just until your shoulder blades touch the ground. Do not let your head touch the ground and repeat

4. Do Leg Lifts - Do Leg Lifts. Lie on the floor, legs straight out, hands at your sides. Lift your legs straight up (not bending your knees at all) until they're at a ninety degree angle (or close). Lower your legs and repeat without letting your legs touch the floor. For more challenge there is equipment at most gyms that will allow you to raise yourself up using your arms as support and dangle your legs. You can perform leg lifts there too. If you're using this piece of equipment, you can make it easier by just raising your knees to your chest. It's more difficult to raise your legs to a horizontal position with your legs straight. This helps firm up the lower abdomen. If you're truly a monster, try doing leg lifts with a medicine ball hanging from your feet. Or hang from a pull up bar and raise your legs in front of you all the way up to the bar. Still too easy?

5. Train your oblique Muscles - It is not as important to work on your oblique muscles at first, but eventually you will want to start working on these. These muscles are located on both sides of your stomach. Be aware that many beginners tend to have weak oblique’s compared to their abs, and some of the other movements will more or less involve your abs.

Benefits Of Yoga And Types Of Yoga by Peter SamsYoga originated around 4000 years ago in the Far East as a spiritual practice designed to realize the Divine nature of the self. Today in the West, yoga usually includes three elements of the traditional yoga techniques: postures (or asanas in Sanskrit), breath control (or pranayama) and meditation. Imagine an activity that increases your flexibility, strengthens your muscles, centers your thoughts, and relaxes and calms you.

Types Of Yoga

Raja Yoga - This is attaining Yoga or unification and reach Samadhi or oneness by practicing the Ashtangas of Yoga like Yama, Niyama, etc. (which we discussed in the last article). One who achieves the yogic state by this mode is considered to be the Raja or King of Yoga - we can take Swami Vivekananda as an example.

Bhakthi Yoga - This reaching the ultimate oneness by sheer devotion and faith. Kuchela can be an example for this. The traditional bhakti yoga does not preach the traditional pranayama, mudra, yogasnas or controlled meditation. Instead of all these, bhakti yoga devotes attention towards loving God, surrender to obey God's will and love of God towards humanity.

Jivamukti Yoga: Developed in 1986 by Sharon Gannon and David Life, the Jivamukti Yoga method expresses the spiritual and ethical aspects of the practice of yoga that have been disregarded or devalued in contemporary times.

Ananda Yoga: Ananda Yoga classes focus on gentle postures designed to move the energy up to the brain and prepare the body for meditation. Classes also focus on proper body alignment and controlled breathing.

Effects

Any one of several paths of spiritual discipline intended to lead a person to deliverance from samsara and the realization of moksha--i.e., to at-onement with ultimate reality. Specifically, it means a "yoking" of the self by spiritual discipline, a method of training designed to lead to union of the human spirit with ultimate reality and release from the limits of the individual ego. Also called margas (paths to salvation).

Normally following a yoga involves apprenticeship to a guru (spiritual teacher or guide). In the universe, finance is one of the prime factors for any individual life. Without financial status, one's life may become misery. It determines and dictates terms to the individual life. It is our endeavor to inform some yogas which will determine one's financial status.

Movable sign having a planet or many planets gives the native some wealth, any two of the chara rasis occupied by planets brings honour and regards for the native. The native will be having the capacity to mesmerize the public at large, if three movable signs are filled by planets, the native has a very good appearance and wealth like Kubera (the God of wealth) when all charas having in them.

Benefits:

Increasing Flexibility - yoga has positions that act upon the various joints of the body including those joints that are never really on the 'radar screen' let alone exercised.

Massaging of ALL Organs of the Body - Yoga is perhaps the only form of activity which massages all the internal glands and organs of the body in a thorough manner, including those - such as the prostate - that hardly get externally stimulated during our entire lifetime.

Excellent toning of the muscles - Muscles that have become flaccid, weak or slothy are stimulated repeatedly to shed excess flab and flaccidity.

Improvements in blood circulation Improvements in our capacity to breathe fully, and direct the breath to parts of our body. This is especially good for helping release stiffness and physical pain.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

A Free Term Life Insurance Quote Is Only Easy To Obtain by Peter Crump

By searching online for life insurance, you can get a free term life insurance quote with no obligation to buy. In order to get the free term life insurance quote, you fill in the form on the appropriate page of the life insurance company website.

You do have to make sure you provide honest answers to all the questions in order to get the life insurance you need. Once the company receives your request for a free term life insurance quote, then an agent will carefully review the application and email a quote to you based on the term of the policy and the amount of the death benefit.

You should not base the quote you receive on that of a friend or another family member because every individual is different in his/her needs. Because you are shopping for low cost term life insurance, you do need to request free quotes from at least three companies.

Term life insurance is only good for the life of the term. At the end of the term, you have the option to renew the policy, but you may not get it for the same free term life insurance quote as you started with. This is because your age has certainly changed and your needs in terms of a settlement have also changed.

However, you still want to get the best rates possible for low cost term life insurance. You do not have to be in perfect health to get a free term life insurance quote. In fact, you can get low cost life insurance without even having a medical exam.

Even if you do have life-threatening diseases, you can get a free quote for term life insurance but it may not be the low cost term life insurance you are hoping for.

This is because you are in a higher risk category because your chances of dying within the term are much greater. Even if the premiums are a little higher, you are still leaving something for your family and to pay for your funeral.

What Is a Lunar Eclipse by starryskies.comWe live in a world that seems so ordered; the Sun rises, goes across the sky and then sets. The Moon goes through its phases from new to full and back again. It all seems like clockwork, and then, something unusual happens that seems to throw the orderly timing of the cosmos into chaos.

On a night when the moon rises full and beautiful, it starts to change, at first it is so subtle few notice it. But then, every so slowly, the moon begins to dim, and more alarming yet, it disappears.

One can only imagine how frightening the sight of a lunar eclipse must have been for our ancestors. Far more than us, they were in tune with the rhythms of the cosmos, the motions of the Sun, Moon and planets were the motions these people lived by.

They told time by the daily passing of the Sun, or full moon to full moon gauged longer periods of time. And the the very stars marked the passing of seasons. The skies were orderly and dependable, except for when an eclipse happened. During that time, chaos reigned, and our ancestors prayed and begged for the Moon to be returned to the sky.

Eclipses have even influenced history, and even today there are those who still attach ancient superstitions to an eclipse. But such are the few, today we know what causes lunar eclipses. And although it may seem a magic show of shadow and light and a disappearing act by the Moon, we know how the "magic" works, but we can still appreciate the beauty.

There are actually several type of lunar eclipses, total, partial and penumbral. The upcoming eclipse is the best kind, a total lunar eclipse. This kind can only take place when the Earth passes directly in front of a full Moon, thus casting its shadow on the Moon's surface.

There are two parts to the Earth's shadow, the penumbra, and the umbra. The penumbra is the outer part of the shadow where sunlight is not completely blocked. The penumbral shadow only dims the Moon every so slightly, in fact unless you are in very dark skies, you may not notice this part of the eclipse at all.

The umbra is the actual shadow created by the Earth. You will notice the Moon getting darker from the left side first. During the time when the entire Moon is in the umbra, it is said to be in totality

Many people are surprised that the eclipsed moon is reddish but there is a reason. Some of the sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere and is bent around behind the Earth and towards the moon. The shorter wavelengths of light is scattered and only the longer orange and red wavelengths reach the moon. It is usually just enough light to cast a coppery red hue on the Moon.

There are times however, such as when there have been volcanic eruptions on the Earth, that the light is so scattered that almost no light reaches the moon and it may be so dark as to be not seen at all.

When the Moon is in totality, you will notice that the whole sky gets darker. You may not have realized just how bright a full moon is until it gets blocked out in an eclipse! Notice too that before the Moon started getting darker you could probably only see a few of the brightest stars in the sky, but during totality, you will see many more stars when they are not obscured by the Moon's light.

Totality can last for over an hour and a half and then gradually, the Moon will reappear, first a tiny sliver and soon as the full Moon it had been.

Now, we mentioned that there are other types of lunar eclipses. A partial lunar eclipse is when only part of the Moon travels through the umbral shadow of the Earth.

Depending on how much of the Moon passes through, you may or may not notice this type of eclipse. A penumbral eclipse is when the Moon passes only through the penumbral shadow of the Earth. During a penumbral eclipse, you would likely not notice any darkening of the Moon unless you were in very dark skies and were looking for it! Therefore, we don't recommend watching penumbral eclipses.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Physical CharacteristicsHead and body length ~ up to 12.5 inchesLength with legs stretched out ~ about 2.5 feetWeight ~ up to 7.2 poundsOn top, the frog is greenish brown, and its underside is yellowishThe Goliath Frog's second toe is the longest.

HabitatGoliath Frogs live in fast moving rivers and streams with sandy bottomsThese river systems are located in dense rain forestsThe frogs are found in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, both countries in West Africa.

FoodAdults are carnivores that eat insects, crustaceans, fish, and amphibians.Tadpoles (baby frogs) are herbivores that eat water plants found only near waterfalls and in rapids.Some indigenous people eat Goliath Frogs

ReproductionMating season for the Goliath Frog is July and AugustReproduce sexuallySeveral hundred eggs are included in each egg mass, which are attached to plants growing on the bottom of the riverIt takes 85 to 90 days for tadpoles to develop

UsesMany collectors catch the Goliath Frog because of its large sizeAt one point, Goliath Frogs were used as pets and were imported into the United States for jumping contests.Indigenous tribes in West Africa use the Goliath Frog for certain types of medicine and food

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The first thing you need when buying car insurance is an auto insurance quote from some A-grade auto insurance companies. By comparing the rates and offers of different insurance companies, you can manage to save some precious hundreds of bucks as premium!

And you can also get the most suitable kind of insurance coverage plan for your vehicle, depending upon your lifestyle, the vehicle you own, your driving habits and your neighborhood.

For example, if you rarely drive your car, then there is absolutely no point in paying a heavy premium for it. You can get some other low mileage plans.

Online auto insurance quotes can help you compares the packages and rates most easily, from the comforts of your own home and without having to make dozens of phone calls to insurance companies.

Some Facts About Insurance Premiums

Knowing some important facts about the way the insurance premiums are determined can help you select cheap auto insurance with the most optimal coverage plan for your vehicle.

Auto insurance quote is based on the premium rates fixed by the government or by the individual insurance companies, in accordance with government regulations.

Generally, the auto insurance companies have more flexibility in pricing the physical damage coverage as against the mandatory liability coverage.

Factors Affecting Vehicle Insurance Premiums

The premium charges in an auto insurance quote vary, based on a number of factors. Some of them include the car make and model, how much is it used (number of miles driven per year on an average) and the profile of the driver.

It is normally seen that teenagers tend to make a more risky profile, more accident prone. Hence their insurance premiums would be high. While senior citizens, who rarely drive their car, generally get discounted rates.

Moreover, females get some advantage because data reveals that they drive less per year than men, and are less involved in accidents.Other than that, factors like where you park your car and the number of people who drive it also affects its insurance premium.

Besides that, if the car is on loan/lease, there is also something called GAP protection in some of the coverage plans. This is to provide monetary compensation in the event of an un-repairable damage when the sale value of the vehicle is less than the balance amount owed on the car loan.

So these are just a few of the things to note when selecting an auto insurance quote, which would not only provide the most ideal coverage for your car, but offer the most affordable rates too.

Skin Cancer - Symptoms, Facts And Treatment Peter SamsSkin cancer is the most common form of human cancer. Skin cancers are a rapidly growing portion of all cancers diagnosed each year. It is believed that increased sun exposure and a decreased ozone layer are a major cause of this phenomenon. This guide is designed to show you the common "warning" signs of skin cancer and to show pictures of cancer and pre-cancerous skin abnormalities. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. Melanoma may be cured if caught and treated early, but if left untreated the majority of melanomas eventually spread to other parts of the body. The key to skin cancer control is prevention, followed by early diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

• any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth

• scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule

• the spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark

• A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain.

Skin Cancer Facts

More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by sun exposure: The UV rays of the sun are responsible for non-melanoma skin cancers. Unprotected exposure to these rays can be from being outdoors, tanning booths, and even through your car or home windows.

Skin cancer develops when skin cells mutate, grow out of control and overwhelm healthier cells. It comes in two forms- Melanoma and Non-melanoma Melanomas are much more likely to be fatal, but both can be confused with harmless moles and other discoloration.

A recent survey of parents of children under 12 years found that approximately 43% of white children experienced at least one sunburn in the past year. As a result of the growing concern about the importance of minimizing UV exposure during childhood and the rising incidence of skin cancer.

Skin is susceptible to damage even under clothing. While covering up is still an effective way to prevent overexposure, a white cotton T-shirt blocks only about 80 percent of rays.

Treatment

The main treatment for skin cancer is Surgery for most people this will be all the treatment you need.Radiotherapy can also be used to treat and cure skin cancers.

This is sometimes used instead of surgery if an operation is not suitable for any reason. It can also be given after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy tablets or injections are only used in certain circumstances for skin cancer. More often, chemotherapy creams are used

• To treat actinic keratosis

• For skin cancers that are only on the top layer of the skinPhotodynamic Therapy: One of the innovative Cancer Treatment Centers of America facilities offers a promising new treatment called photodynamic therapy (PDT).

PDT is a two-step procedure that is done on an outpatient basis. You will be injected with a light-activated drug (Photofrin), which targets cancerous cells. Approximately 24-48 hours later, a laser light is directed onto tumor cells, exposing the cancerous tissue to a certain spectrum of light.

Friday, February 15, 2008

When talking about stress, stress management experts will always emphasize that the focus should be on making stress work for you, rather than eliminating stress.

Without a doubt, it is impossible to live a stress free life in our times, when the needs of money and material wants and needs drives us to study hard and work harder.

It is also perhaps a little known fact that stress need not always be bad.

Stress refers to our reaction from the conflict between our external environment and us, leading to emotional and physical pressure.

The key is in learning to distinguish when the levels of stress are too high, and how to take steps to reduce the level of stress so that it remains optimal for you.

Here are 3 tips to help your relieve stress for free!

Tip #1: Always set GoalsAt the start of each day, week or month, it is crucial that you set yourself goals. These goals should be SMART, meaning that they have to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound. Remember that your goals should always be realistic, and by pursuing the goals that you have set out you will be able to achieve more than you thought you were capable of in the time span you have set yourself. It is no point to set goals that are overly ambitious, as the end result may be undesirable, with you unable to meet your goals and hence feeling stressed out and experiencing a lower sense of self confidence.

Tip #2: Improve your Emotional IntelligenceEmotional intelligence here is taken in the context of managing your emotions, especially in relation to stressful situations. This is usually measured by an indicator known as the Emotional Quotient, or EQ. Most often, your emotional reactions may be more extreme than called for, and this is due to your perception of threat to your emotional wellbeing. It is important that you do not adopt extremist views with regards to any situation, though it definitely does not mean that you should not have an opinion. Remember that there is no strict black or white, and that our opinions should always be flexible along the gradient of gray.

Tip #3: Time ManagementWith proper time management, you will find that 24 hours a day is more than sufficient for you to complete everything that you want or need to, including rest. Before you go to sleep each night, review what you have done for the day, and what you are planning to do the next day. Follow a set of priorities, or draw up a daily to do list, complete with a realistic amount of time allocated to each task. However, there is no need to be overly rigid to the timetable as certain tasks may require more time due to greater complexity than accounted for.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

4 Steps For A Natural Colon Cleanse by Alexandra PerryColon cleansing is when you clean your colon and is essential to good health. When toxins remain in your colon you will find that they are reabsorbed back into the body. This gives rise to sickness and poor health. Many people are not aware of the hidden poisons within them and do not take care of this important part of the body.

There are several reasons that your colon gets clogged with toxins. One of the main causes is constipation. This is when stool gets stuck in the colon and gets hard and impacted. The longer feces get stuck in the colon the more they dry up and can eventually get impacted. Foods and more waste get built up behind the hard stool and levels of toxins start to rise. This makes your health deteriorate and lays your body wide open to serious illnesses like cancer.

Colon cleansing can be something as small as taking laxatives to remove impacted stool or something larger like Colonic irrigation. It should always be accompanied by good dietary habits. Here are 4 steps to keep your colon clean and in good health:

1. Start with a good diet:

Make sure you cut down or even eliminate junk foods. Replace them with fruits and vegetables. Try to eat less refined foods and more whole grain ones. These two food groups will give you more fiber and help your colon to evacuate feces in a faster more regular manner. Evacuation of stool should take place at least once per day. This will eliminate toxins and keep your colon clean. Refined foods are a number one cause for sluggish colon movements.

2. Drink more water:

Water is a very important part of your diet. It will help your body to flush out impurities and toxins from your body. It will also help to prevent constipation, by keeping the stool from drying out. Water is essential for your entire body to work smoothly. You need to drink about 8 glasses of fluid per day. Try to make sure that most of this is water.

3. Be sure you are not constipated:

Constipation is a more serious problem than most people realize. It gives rise to feces blocking your colon and releasing toxins back into your system. When it becomes too bad it can even result in a dangerous condition of fecal impaction. This is when the stool dries in the colon and becomes a solid rock that is almost impossible to evacuate. Try to follow the dietary changes above to alleviate this problem before it gets worse.

4. Exercise regularly:

it is important for your entire body to exercise regularly. This can range from concentrated exercises using equipment to brisk daily walks. It will depend on your lifestyle and age what you will do. When you exercise regularly you will keep all your muscles and organs working well. This will include your colon.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Donate a Used VehicleSelling a used vehicle can be tougher than you think. In order to sell your car, you would first let people know that your car is available for sale, which means you would need to get an ad out or make phone calls to get the word out.

It does not end there! Once your car does get noticed, you will have to tolerate the incessant phone calls at any time of the day, and finally, you have to take time from your busy schedule to show your car to potential buyers.

If the deal falls through them the whole process repeats itself, and it may take a long time to find a buyer. Then, when a deal does get sealed, there is the hassle of getting the paperwork sorted out to get the car to the next owner.

Keeping in mind all these hassles, is it really worth going through all this to get your car sold? Why not consider donating your car to a charitable organization which you find worthy? Not only will you be doing a great deed, but you will also be able to enjoy a tax reduction which may be of more value to you than the money that you might make from selling your car.

Despite all this, it would still be wise for you to ask yourself when the right time for you to donate your vehicle is. You should consider donating your vehicle when you want to make a worthy contribution to a charitable or non-profit organization. Donate your vehicle when you realize that selling it would be a difficult task.

Furthermore, when you sell your vehicle it would be of much lesser cost than the retail value; thus, it could be possible for your tax benefit to outweigh your vehicle resale value. The best part of donating your vehicle is that you do not need to spend extra on advertising and the hassle of selling!

The prospect of entering (or returning) to college can be a daunting challenge for most any adult, bringing anxiety and nervousness. From personal experience, I can attest that these feelings are compounded based on a fear of unknown circumstances and unfamiliar surroundings associated with online degree programs. Committing to the pursuit or completion of a degree via an online program is a significant first-step, but there are several preparations you can take that can increase the chances for success and alleviate the preparatory anxiety

First, if you have not already done so, begin familiarizing yourself with key productivity and online applications. Most of the schools offering online degree programs require the use of software currently in use (and accepted as “standard” in the personal and business computing environment). Microsoft Office applications are some of the most common applications in use, though compatibility improvements between applications will allow the use other software products if you so desire. Access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) is also an essential tool; I would suggest that you use a high-speed Internet connection if at all possible, as this will improve connectivity and minimize the time spent in downloading course materials and uploading assignments. You should have at least one email account through your ISP. From personal experience, I would suggest establishing a separate email account for school-related correspondence, as this will prevent inbox clutter and ensure that critical school-related correspondence will not be lost or overlooked. This will also help in controlling unwanted (spam) emails in this account, as you can set up the email client to accept correspondence from known sources.

If you have not done so already, familiarize yourself with newsgroup or static list service formats. Some schools offer real-time chat environments for interaction and lectures, but many more utilize some form of list or forum service to organize and disseminate course discussions and materials. The specifics will vary greatly among schools, so the best advice would be to study tutorials or demo modules before selecting an online-degree program, and certainly before beginning the first course once a school and program has been selected

Though not unique to online degree programs, mental preparation is a critical ingredient towards success. College coursework is markedly different from previous academic experiences, requiring discipline, time-management, and a commitment to allocating time and effort on a daily basis. Unlike traditional programs, online degree programs are often conducted in intense, short bursts, ranging from 5-6 weeks up to an entire semester. On-campus students often attend class for several hours a week, and spend off-campus time completing assignments and reading materials. Online programs require complete self-discipline; just because attendance at a physical building is not required does not absolve you of these challenges and responsibilities.

Finally, and perhaps most important, is to prepare contingency plans. Natural events, construction accidents, and even routine maintenance can disrupt your Internet connections, which is your sole lifeline to your classroom. Having a contingency plan in place to allow for limited connectivity in the event that you experience an Internet outage can be the difference between a successful online degree experience and one filled with frustration and failure. Online degree programs are often conducted at a faster pace than brick-and-mortar counterparts, so a disruption of a day or two can lead to disastrous consequences. I maintained a dial-up Internet account for those “just in case” situations and I used this fallback on several occasions.

Online degree programs are a reality today, and the quality of education offered by reputable schools mirrors that of traditional programs. With proper preparation, the learning experience can be enjoyable and productive for online degree seekers, and can lead towards a rewarding learning experience. The ingredients from success may differ from the preparations required by traditional students, but all higher-learning programs share the common elements of planning, discipline, and commitment.

Monday, February 11, 2008

The Effect Of Spiritual Light On The Presidential ElectionSpiritual light has to do with three central things, among others: 1) heightening the capacity for empathy and love and the desire to share love, 2) bringing into greater awareness a sense of truth and an increasing sense of what only masquerades as truth, 3) and enhancing the motivation of those holding greater light to adopt courses of action that are not self-seeking but that truly represent the welfare of a greater whole.

There are other qualities of character and personal expression that are brought forward by the infusion of greater light – qualities such as gentleness, kindness, a willingness to listen, a lack of ego, a desire to share, a desire to comfort those in need. These qualities, like notes on a musical scale, can be played in many different ways and with many different tonalities, corresponding to the inner nature of the one who carries them. Nevertheless, they share a common foundation which lies in the essential properties of spiritual light.

Within the electoral process, as light becomes more prominent and darkness recedes, the above effects of greater light begin to make themselves known more clearly. People begin increasingly to desire truth among those who claim to be its representatives; they desire integrity within those who claim to speak for a particular issue or point of view. Such integrity is based on the faithfulness of one who takes a position on an issue to the underlying values that that position represents. Integrity requires that one feel things and care about things deeply, not merely as a surface phenomenon. It also applies to the character of one who has an inner standard of moral rightness, a standard that must be followed for the sake of rightness itself, because conscience requires it.

The increasing inflow of light into the electoral process therefore affects both candidates and the general public. People begin to want more truth. They begin to want more kindness and integrity. They begin to want a public servant who truly represents the interests of the Whole. As this 'wanting' develops, a quality of listening is also enhanced, and what is listened for in candidates is what the heart tells the listener is real, more than what the mind says. Sometimes, this has been referred to as a 'gut reaction'. But often such a 'gut reaction' is simply a way of saying that there is no rational reason to feel something – it is one's heart that tells one that something is so.Inspiration is also an effect of greater light. When people feel inspired, it is often because the light in a situation causes them to feel uplifted, more capable of making a difference, stronger in conscience, and stronger in a desire to serve. Outwardly, the source of inspiration may be attributed to a person and to a particular time in history, and it is true that these are factors, but inspiration and the capacity to feel inspired is also a function of light operating within consciousness which creates a yearning for an ideal – an ideal that, within the one so inspired, feels approachable. It feels as if it can be attained. And so inspiration carries one into action and into a state of feeling hopeful and optimistic about the possibility of realizing one's ideal.

This election year, including the campaign thus far, has shown itself to be filled with various shades of light and darkness, and is likely to continue to be so up until the election in November and beyond. Those who are developing an awareness of spiritual reality will be led more and more during this year to begin to feel things that exceed what the rational mind can know, and to sense things that lead in the direction of belief and perception, without a mental process being involved. With this development already underway, it is useful, no matter what one's religious or spiritual beliefs, to ask for inner guidance regarding the path of greatest clarity, truth, and love, for along this path is the light that leads to the future, and the hope for the most positive outcome of this year's electoral process.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Tax Attorney - Hire One To Make Tax Returns Easy And Smaller by Adrina James

IRS auditing can be a cumbersome task for you, but it is the task of a tax attorney to make it simpler, easier and faster. It is not just time, labor and patience that is required substantially for the settlement of returns, the area where the worst impact is felt will be your pocket. The IRS appoints lawyers to keep on persuading tax payers and pay them hefty fees as per their capabilities of being persuasive. Therefore, it is always advisable to employ legal representative when you are audited.

Benefits Of Hiring Tax Attorneys

To prove legitimate reduction in levy, you are required to perform relevant paperwork. You have got to gather all the financial documents pertaining to that year of audit, as well as the papers before and after that year. These papers are also important in claiming tax credit when you file returns. Innumerable online companies are accessible at a few clicks and ready to take over your tax related headaches. By investing little time in searching and comparison, you can figure out the best company to depend upon.

Look for a business levy lawyer to take care of the expenses and the related-laws as per Schedule C that covers expenses of small businesses. Likewise, a property attorney will take care of the taxes imposed on property and property investment and expenses listed under Section C. An income tax lawyer deals in matters related to income exemptions and reduction. Ensure you include all the minute details while you discuss with your legal representative. Make sure you have described all the expenses and while discussing with your lawyer, enable him/her to find the right legal measures and documents for IRS auditing.

Tax Attorneys Are Greatly Helpful In Double Checking Of The Returns

Take help of a tax attorney to revise and double check all the tax returns and the documents related to your returns. These professionals will help you in assuring you that you have not omitted anything during auditing. Issues that are most likely to be overlooked or omitted from the calculations during levy auditing are the interests or the part payments made from their brokerages or the funds taken from small saving accounts.

Many payers also forget declaring those items, if their investment companies have not sent them relevant papers. Remember, you must declare all the sources of income through your documents. If you have not declared any one of them, you must have supporting papers to prove why it has not been declared. Hence, it is the job of a tax attorney to include and prepare all the supporting documents to show legitimate tax deductions

Secured loans will allow an individual to borrow a large sum of money which is usually between £3,000 and £50,000. You can also pay it back over a long period of time which can be up to twenty five years. One advantage of this type of loan is that those who have less than a perfect credit rating are usually able to get approved for secured lending. However the downside is that you will have to put something up as security and this is usually your home.

The amount you are able to borrow will be based on the spare equity that is in your home. A lender will work this out by taking what is left owing on the mortgage and subtracting it from the total value of the property. The majority of lenders will allow you to borrow up to this amount. The interest rate on secured loans is usually lower than that of an unsecured but the actual rate will vary between lenders. In order to get the lowest rate you should consider allowing a specialist loans website to shop around on your behalf and gather together the best deals.

Secured loans are offered by lenders for almost any purpose. Some of the most popular reasons include making improvements to your home, buying a new car or to consolidate existing loans and pay them off. However bear in mind that your home is at risk and so the reason for borrowing should be worth the risk. The amount of interest you can expect to pay depends on the Bank of England base rate and what the lender puts on top. By going to a specialist website and allowing them to search within the marketplace you are able to compare the cheapest quotes possible.

Along with this a specialist will provide information on loans secured against your property which you should read before taking out your loan. Understanding what you are taking on is essential. You do have to be aware that all loans contain small print. This is where such things as the amount of interest you will pay are listed, it will also make you aware of how much you will be repaying in full. Some loans can come with fees attached. One of the most commonly found is an early repayment fee. This means that if you take the borrowing out for a certain period of time but then find you are able to settle the loan in full well before that date, you will have to pay a lump sum fee. The terms and conditions will vary between lenders so make sure you compare them along with the interest rates.

Secured loans are offered by high street lenders but usually this is not always the best way to take out borrowing. Shopping around and getting several quotes can save you thousands of pounds in the interest when taken out over many years so it is worthwhile. A specialist will know where to go to get the cheapest and best deals and deliver them quickly along with the pertinent facts relating to the borrowing.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Student Loans Consolidation – Eradicate Debt From Your Life by ApurvashreeIf you are looking at ways and means to bring your outstanding student debt under control then opt for student loans consolidation. This is the best way in which students under huge debts can easily slip out of debt and start managing their household in a responsible manner in future as well. Student debt consolidation is no magic wand. It is a constructive and practical solution to all student debt problems like default in payments, delay in payments, part payments, mismanaged funds, and the like. Student loans consolidation helps you in taking firm steps towards debt control and ultimate relief.

There are several clearly evident benefits of student loans consolidation. The first and most important benefit is that your interest rate reduces to less than half after consolidation. This happens because of the weighted average interest rate. When you take loans during your studies you hardly ever notice the interest rate charged on the amount taken as loan. This is a common feature with credit card loans. These interest rates keep accumulating on the principal amount and become a huge burden by the time you join service. After consolidation of your loan amount the average rate of interest is calculated after clubbing all interest rates. This rate is halved and then the fixed installments decided; which you have to pay every month. You make a big saving on your earlier payments and you also pay less in net terms as well.

The other benefit of student loans consolidation is that your monthly installment becomes very less. When you are paying your installments in a haphazard way you are almost living hand to mouth and you have to revise your budget every now and then. After consolidation, the principal amount is spread out over a period of 20 to 30 years thereby reducing the installment considerably. It is the duty of the consolidating company to bring the installment within your reach so that you can easily pay off the installment every month and save for your household expenses as well.

It is the dream of every student under debt to qualify for student federal loan consolidation. The reason is that a federal consolidation has many advantages over any other form of student loans consolidation. When you qualify for federal loans you get many benefits like prepayments without penalties, flexible repayment plans, subsidized interest rates, no credit checks, no fee charged for consolidation, longer duration of loan, and you need not supply proof of income to secure a loan also.

As long as mankind has been loosing hair, there has been a desire to cover this hair loss up. Because of this overwhelming desire to keep a healthy head of hair, there are hundreds of various hair replacement procedures that range from the highly-complicated surgical treatments, to the easier shampoo and pill therapies. No matter what type of hair replacement treatment you decide to go with, you want the same result from the all – an increase in hair growth and a stopping of hair loss.

The type of hair replacement therapy that you want to go with strictly depends on your needs, both physically and financially. There are so many different types of procedures, all of which work in a slightly different manner. However, there are several treatments that have worked their way to being the top hair replacement therapies on the market.

Due to the introduction of television into our everyday lives, we have no doubt seen the commercial for hair replacement surgery. While the television commercial makes it seem promising, how effective is hair replacement surgery? When this technology first came out, it was obvious that there was much work still needed on the procedure, however, in recent years this is an amazing way to obtain a healthy, full head of hair.

Hair replacement surgery works by literally using your own hair to grow more hair. This is done by the doctor taking donor samples from the back of your head. Since most hair loss is found on the top of the head, the doctor is able to retrieve healthy donor grafts that will thrive in your balding areas. After the physician has taken the donor grafts, they then place a grid on your balding head. This is used to determine how many hair grafts will be needed for the procedure. Once the proper amount of hair grafts have been retrieved, the doctor then begins to apply them to your head. Over a period of several hours, depending on how many grafts you must have done, you will walk out of the doctor’s office with a beautiful new head of hair.

If you do not want to go with a surgical hair replacement treatment, than there are many non-abrasive procedures that you can benefit from. Millions of people have found success by using hair loss shampoos. These types of hair replacement treatments are a non-abrasive way to restore hair growth to thinning areas. While most of the shampoos have their own unique properties and methods of working, they all have the same basic process.

Hair loss shampoo stimulates the scalp, treating it from the follicle to the hair tip. By stimulating the hair follicle you are able to begin the growing process again. Although these shampoos act as a follicular enhancement technology, some of them have various ways they attack the scalp. Some shampoos focus on the hormone DHT, while others are more concentrated on the thymus gland. Determining which type of hair restoration shampoo to use strictly depends on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. The best way to discover your perfect hair loss shampoo is by conversing with your doctor about various treatments.